Eastern Communications Leads PH Market as a Cisco Preferred Networking Partner Under Cisco 360 Partner Program Framework

Eastern Communications has been officially recognized by Cisco as a Cisco Preferred Networking Partner, placing the Philippines’ pioneer telecommunications and ICT solutions provider among the first in the Philippines to earn the designation ahead of the global rollout of the Cisco 360 Partner Program in January 2026. The designation is given to partners that demonstrate advanced technical capability, strong lifecycle practices, and deep customer engagement. This recognition marks a strategic milestone for Eastern Communications as it strengthens its role in the country’s rapidly evolving, AI-enabled digital economy.

The Cisco 360 Partner Program, considered the company’s most significant partner transformation in 25 years, introduces new specializations, incentives, and bonuses that place greater weight on value delivery and specialized expertise.

With the needs of customers evolving in the AI era, the program’s evolution connects partner success to how they meet customer needs and ambitions, rewarding partners for driving profitable growth through lifecycle value creation, managed services, software adoption, and renewals. Cisco partners that have achieved advanced technical expertise, invested deeply in customer engagement, and built foundational practices are designated as Cisco Preferred Partners.

“On behalf of Eastern, we are incredibly proud of our entire team's relentless drive for innovation. This recognition and new designation as Cisco’s Preferred Networking Partner signifies a validation of the quality and strategic relevance of our product roadmap, positioning us to deliver even more advanced, high-impact solutions to our customers,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer.

By achieving this distinction ahead of the formal rollout, Eastern Communications signals that it is not only prepared for the next era of enterprise technology but is already operating in it.

Strengthened capabilities, long-standing collaboration

Eastern Communications’ early elevation is an outcome of its continuous investment in its technical workforce, lifecycle service maturity, and innovation-led solutions across cybersecurity, cloud, networking, and managed connectivity. For customers, this means faster deployment, stronger security outcomes, and more consistent end-to-end service delivery supported by deeper access to Cisco expertise and AI-ready architectures. These efforts have also shaped its long-standing relationship with Cisco, which began in 2020 and has since yielded industry recognition such as Top Small Business Partner of the Year (2021) and Breakthrough Partner of the Year (2024).

Beyond commercial success, Eastern Communications, in its role as a Cisco Partner, has supported the local business community through Eastern Communications’ thought leadership program — Access Eastern — which equips organizations with insights to navigate digital transformation, AI integration, and security challenges.

Raising the bar as businesses adopt AI

As enterprises accelerate their shift toward AI-enabled operations, the Cisco 360 Partner Program emphasizes partners capable of delivering bundled, high-impact solutions that match emerging customer needs. Eastern Communications’ Preferred Networking Partner status affirms its ability to support organizations through these shifts, both with advanced technical skill and a service philosophy rooted in “High Tech” and “High Touch.”

The recognition directly supports Eastern Communications’ 2025 commitment to exceeding expectations, reinforcing its direction to offer secure, future-proof solutions while maintaining the personalized support that sets it apart in the industry.

With more than 145 years of service, the telco provider continues to expand its role as a trusted technology partner for businesses nationwide as it empowers organizations with the expertise, infrastructure, and guidance needed to thrive in a fast-changing digital landscape.

To learn more about Eastern Communications’ solutions, contact 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph.

Style Meets Power: How the Vivo V60 Lite in Pop Pink Complements Every OOTD

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Some days are packed with errands and deadlines, others are slow and cozy, and most fall somewhere in between. No matter what the day brings, young women today want a companion that keeps up not only with their lifestyle but also with their personal style. That’s where the Vivo V60 Lite in Pop Pink comes in.

More than just a smartphone, the Vivo V60 Lite is a cheerful and practical accessory that effortlessly adds personality to every outfit of the day (OOTD). Its Pop Pink colorway brings a playful yet polished vibe, making it easy to style for different moods and moments.

For relaxed mornings and casual plans, pastel outfits are a perfect match. Soft-toned tops paired with light denim create an easy, effortless look for coffee runs, study sessions, or quick meet-ups with friends. The Pop Pink V60 Lite blends seamlessly with gentle hues while adding just the right touch of charm.

For those who love a bold, fun aesthetic, a “girlypop” monochromatic outfit is a standout choice. Think a pink tank top paired with a flowing pink skirt. Whether it’s mirror selfies or casual hangouts, the phone becomes part of the look, enhancing the playful vibe without feeling over-the-top.

Even in professional settings, the Vivo V60 Lite holds its own. Neutral, corporate-inspired outfits get an instant lift when paired with the Pop Pink phone. It adds a subtle pop of color that brightens your look during work meetings, commutes, or daily errands—proof that style and professionalism can coexist.

Beyond aesthetics, the Vivo V60 Lite is built for real-life demands. Its massive 6500mAh BlueVolt battery ensures you stay connected all day, from scrolling and gaming to snapping photos on the go. Powered by the 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo, it delivers smooth performance, higher frame rates, and better power efficiency. For content lovers, the 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera with 2x lossless zoom keeps mirror selfies and OOTD shots consistently IG-ready.

From coffee runs to content creation, the Vivo V60 Lite in Pop Pink keeps pace with every moment. Available in Vivo stores and e-stores starting at Php 14,999, it’s the perfect blend of style, power, and personality—ready to make every day, and every outfit, pop.

Buenas PH Bolsters Gaming Reach With Top Creators’ Partnership to Combat Scam iGaming Sites

Manila, Philippines – Buenas PH, a licensed e-casino operator under HHR Philippines Inc. (HHRPI), cements its commitment to setting the benchmark for creator responsibility and viewer safety in the rapidly evolving Philippine iGaming sector by partnering with the country’s most influential gaming and streaming personalities.

This initiative marks a turning point in the promotion of digital gaming. Notable leaders in the iGaming and streaming communities, including Boss Toyo, ChooxTv, Beatmaster, ForeignGerms, Hypebits, and celebrity Mark Herras, are utilizing their massive platforms, totaling a combined social media reach of over 150 million, to lead a community-wide shift toward regulated and ethical iGaming.

"This partnership with Buenas PH isn't just about entertainment, but about ensuring that the influence held by our top creators is used to cultivate a healthy, secure, and transparent culture for every fan. Together, we are moving toward a safer, more responsible community," said Julius “Banoobs” Mariano, Founder of YGS Live.

This strategic partnership with top gaming ambassadors in the country aims to champion the protection of the Filipino gaming community. By aligning exclusively with a licensed operator like Buenas PH, these creators are helping narrow the gap for unlicensed and scam platforms that often target unsuspecting viewers.

“Influencers already exist in this space. Our goal is to move creators away from unlicensed platforms and into the regulated ecosystem," added Mariano.

This movement to clean up the digital space is welcomed by industry leaders who see it as a necessary step toward bringing back industry confidence.

“The industry lost trust last year,” Jev Mark Macam, President of 888 Luxury Legacy Corporation, observed. “The path back is transparency, regulation, and visible safeguards.”

Atty. Anthony "Tony" Manguiat, President of HHR Philippines Inc. (HHRPI), emphasized that for Buenas PH, "Regulation is the solution to ‘rampant’ access. It means KYC (Know Your Customer), age checks, and safeguards."

Manguiat further enforces the brand’s stance on regulatory compliance as a competitive advantage: “We don’t treat PAGCOR as a threat; we treat PAGCOR oversight as consumer protection. Gaming is entertainment, amusement, and recreation. That’s the framework regulation is meant to protect.”

The announcement coincided with the successful Grand Finals of the first-ever Battle of the Streamers at City of Dreams Manila. As the presenting partner, Buenas PH saw the country’s top creators compete for a PHP 11-million prize pool in an event that combined high-stakes play with a commitment to integrity.

As the flagship program of YGS Live and powered by Pragmatic Play and streamed through Loco Live, a platform that offers real-time, no delay livestream, the Battle of the Streamers showcases Buenas PH’s commitment to high-quality, responsible, and community-driven content. The initiative further reinforces YGS Live’s advocacy by actively discouraging creators from promoting unlicensed or scam-based platforms.

As one of the most prominent ambassadors of Buenas PH, Boss Toyo, known for his deep connection with the Filipino grassroots community, sees his role as a bridge between the industry and the public.

"Content creation is already here. So it's better to teach people what's illegal versus legal and how to play responsibly," he said.

Beyond digital advocacy, the partnership extends into community impact. Boss Toyo leads a series of initiatives under Buenas Cares, the brand’s charity arm. The program brings the platform's audience to the forefront through community engagements and outreach activities, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility.

As the Philippine iGaming landscape continues to mature, the collective voice of Buenas PH and its partner creators serves as a powerful catalyst for a more credible digital economy, setting a new gold standard for safe, creator-focused entertainment in the Philippines.

For more updates, users may visit the official Buenas PH and YGS Live Facebook pages.

Coca-Cola Philippines Drives Water Stewardship With Reforestation Activity at La Mesa Watershed

MANILA, Philippines – Coca-Cola Philippines employees gathered at La Mesa Dam on December 17, 2025, for a tree-planting activity with the Million Trees Foundation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability through hands-on volunteerism. The effort highlighted how corporate participation and community action can help protect one of Metro Manila’s most critical water sources.

At the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center within the La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City, Coca-Cola Philippines employees came together to plant native seedlings. The initiative forms part of the larger Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC), a long-term watershed rehabilitation program that began under Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and is now being sustained by the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) with the goal of planting 10 million more trees by 2030.

La Mesa Dam is Metro Manila’s primary watershed and one of the remaining major forest reserves in the region. Its protection is essential to ensuring a clean, stable water supply for the capital. Reforestation efforts—especially those that focus on tree-growing, not just tree-planting—contribute to soil conservation, improved groundwater recharge, and long-term ecological resilience.

“The strength of the Million Trees Initiative comes from collective effort. When partners like Coca-Cola Philippines show up on the ground, it accelerates our work to restore critical watersheds like La Mesa,” Mr. Melandrew T. Velasco, Million Trees Foundation Inc, President and Executive Director. “Each seedling planted today is part of a bigger commitment to protect the ecosystems that support millions of Filipinos.”

For employee volunteers, the activity was a meaningful way to take part in environmental protection while gaining a deeper appreciation of watershed stewardship — a core focus of the company’s Sustainability Matters campaign. “Today proved that sustainability is about action — and that small efforts become meaningful when we work as one,” said Maria Christine Garcia, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca-Cola Far East Limited (CCFEL), underscored how employee volunteerism strengthens the company’s sustainability goals.

“Our sustainability journey is grounded in strong partnerships, long-term commitments, and the dedication of our people. Initiatives like this underscore the vital role each of us plays in safeguarding essential resources such as the La Mesa Watershed,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca-Cola Far East Limited. “This activity reflects our broader commitment to environmental stewardship and to collaborating with communities and partners to create lasting, meaningful impact.”

To learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability initiatives, the public may visit www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/sustainability.

Security Bank Caps 2025 Expansion With 377 Branches Nationwide

Makati, Philippines – Security Bank Corporation capped off 2025 with the opening of five new branches in December, bringing its nationwide branch network to 377 branches and reinforcing its commitment to making banking more accessible and inclusive across the country.

The December openings mark a strong finish to a year of sustained expansion, reflecting Security Bank’s continued focus on bringing BetterBanking closer to more Filipinos, supporting households, entrepreneurs, and growing communities nationwide.

In Luzon, the Bank opened new branches in Guagua, Pampanga, and Batangas City Highway, strengthening its presence in high-growth corridors serving both residential communities and key transport routes. In Metro Manila, the opening of Caloocan–Camarin enhanced access to banking services in a strategically located and rapidly developing area.

In the Visayas, new branches in Calbayog and Cebu–Mahi further extend the Bank’s reach to communities that support local enterprises, regional trade, and a growing base of individual and SME clients.

“This month’s branch openings are yet another affirmation of our unwavering commitment to customer-centricity. It is a deliberate investment in what truly matters: the needs, convenience, and aspirations of our clients,” said Leslie Cham, Executive Vice President and Branch Banking Head at Security Bank.

As its network grows, Security Bank continues to elevate the in-branch experience. Each new location is designed to meet a wide range of customer needs—from everyday transactions to long-term financial planning—while seamlessly integrating with the Bank’s digital channels.

For more information on Security Bank’s products, services, and branch locations, visit www.securitybank.com or follow Security Bank on social media.